Tag: local musicians

Fall season on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” might lead one to think that gorgeous views and vistas of fall foliage may be all that Townsend, Tn has to offer during the autumn months. Well, that’s as far from the truth as saying Cades Cove is a “so-so” place to take pictures. From the town’s Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day to the numerous chances to catch local musicians and artisans throughout the area, Townsend, Tn is a hive for fall activity and family fun of all kinds.

So you’re in Townsend for a few days, or a long weekend this fall, well let’s start out with the reason most people come the Smokies each fall – the gorgeous fall colors. Townsend is the perfect place to catch fall in all its splendor whether you’re taking a quick trip around Cades Cove loop road or a longer drive down Rich Mountain Road. Both routes give you a good chance at taking in some picturesque fall scenery. And you can do everything in a day, probably even half a day then get back to town to do something else. If you’re wanting to get a bit further away from town, try driving the Foothills Parkway or the Cherohala Skyway. Both have plenty of magnificent overlooks and historic destinations located along the way.

You’ve got to at least set aside one day just to try the offerings from a few good Townsend restaurants. We suggest a different meal from a different restaurant for each meal. Try camp cooking for at least one meal, or going on a picnic. Some of the area’s best BBQ can be found at such events as the Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Days (Sept. 28 & 29), as well as all kinds of specialty sandwiches, homemade ice cream and desserts, and any other kind local festival-type food you could think of.

Now, while there does seem to be quite a few things to do around town, don’t forget to stray a bit into nature. As mentioned, take a picnic and explore the byways of the Smoky Mountains. Pack a backpack and hike to a beautiful, quiet area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are numerous hikes around Townsend, and especially the Cades Cove area. Find out about biking Townsend, or just stroll over to a nearby stream and throw a line in.

There aremusicians and crafts people around town too numerous to even list. The arts and crafts of Townsend come alive in Townsend’s Artisan Guild. Most artists are in their stores daily and love for people to come by and talk with them about their craft…. And purchase a few things too. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So come to Townsend, TN this fall and spend a day or two and get back to the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”.

It’s summertime which means the kids are out of school, the temperature has the mercury rising, and you’re looking for fun things to do locally that can fill up some of those idle days. Townsend’s summer offerings grow with each passing year from tubing the Wye to new ranger programs offered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And there’s always Cades. Visitors have flocked to the cove for years each summer to explore whether by bike or foot.

To get you started, we suggest starting your itinerary in the national park. With so many waterfalls to take in, you’re bound to find a trail leading to at least one – try hiking to Abrams Falls by way of the Abrams Falls Trail. Need a map? They’re available for anyone to pick up at the Townsend Visitors Center. Looking for something different? As previously mentioned, throw a tube into the Little River and let the current do the rest. There are numerous outfitters in town located on the banks of the river to rent a tube, or tubes, for a day. If not, just play in water or dip your line in and enjoy the countless summer hours fishing for some of the best Smoky Mountain trout you’ll find. The visitors center also holds a pottery festival each June if you’re more inclined to spend part of your day inside.

Maybe spending as much time in a more natural setting is your cup of tea. Well, you won’t find a place to get more familiar with the outdoors than you’ll find in Townsend. Townsend is home to a number widely used campgrounds as well as one located in Cades Cove that you’re sure to find one that suits you and your needs. Summers are the perfect time for a cook out and a late night campfire. Roast a few marshmallows and tell some ghost stories while making memories that will last a lifetime. If you feel like trekking closer into Gatlinburg, stop by the Sugarlands Visitors Center and catch the amazing synchronous fireflies (early to mid June) at Elkmont.

Summer is also concert season around Townsend. You’ll find an array ofconcerts and jam sessions in the area. Just pick a date. Listen to local musicians and visit with instrument builders. Or, attend one of the town’s week-long acoustic music camps and learn how to pick a guitar, banjo, or Dobro with the best of them. There’s so much going on this summer in Townsend it’s hard to just come down for a day. So stay a while, or a week, or be our guest for the entire summer. You’ll won’t regret a Townsend summer.